Ultimate South America

Private Tour | General interest

25 Days & 23 Nights• From £6,495

This journey travels across six countries and explores South America's greatest cultural, historic and natural wonders, visiting Rio de Janeiro, the Iguaçu Falls, Buenos Aires, Santiago and the ancient sites of Bolivia and Peru, before concluding with a cruise of the Galapagos Islands. It is also possible to add a side trip to Uruguay or extend to Colombia and Venezuela.

Take the train to Machu Picchu and tour the ruins. Stay overnight at El Mapi. (B, L, D)

Day 18: To Cuzco

Optional morning visit to the ruins or a birdwatching excursion along the river. Return to Cuzco for 1 night at Casa Andina Private Collection. (B)

Day 19: To Quito

Fly to Quito, via Lima. Stay 2 nights at La Casona de la Ronda. Alternatively, break your journey with a couple of nights in Lima, one of the oldest cities in the Americas.(B)

Day 20: Quito

Morning tour of Quito and the equatorial line monument. (B)

Day 21: To Galapagos Islands

Fly to the Galapagos Islands for a 3-night cruise on the Seaman Journey. It is possible to extend your cruise duration or choose from a number of alternative cruise vessels. (B, L, D)

Days 22–23: Galapagos

Cruise the islands, taking tours with naturalist guides. There will be time for swimming and snorkelling. (B, L, D)

Day 24: To Quito

Fly to Guayaquil and on to London, via Madrid, with Iberia. Alternatively, break your journey with an overnight stay in Guayaquil and take a short city tour the following day. (B)

Day 25: London

Morning arrival. (N)

Meal Basis

As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Important information

Note

This itinerary is based on a Saturday departure from London to fit with the Andean Explorer train schedules (April to October service - Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat) and the Seaman Journey 3-night cruise schedule. Departures between November and March will require changes to the itinerary, as the train does not operate on Fridays.

Prices, based on two people travelling and sharing a twin-room, are intended as a guideline only and will vary according to the time of year. This is a suggested itinerary, which can be further tailored to suit your individual needs. The itinerary can be taken in either direction.

Park fees

Entry fees at the Iguazú and Iguaçu national parks are not included.

Galapagos cruise vessels

There are a number of small, medium and large boats sailing around the Galapagos Islands with cruise durations ranging from 3 to 14 nights. Please refer to our Galapagos Islands tailor-made section for more details or call one of our specialists.

Extensions

It is possible to add extra time in any of the destinations, add further explorations within the individual countries or upgrade your hotel accommodation. Add a side trip from Buenos Aires to Uruguay or Paraguay, or extend your trip with explorations of Colombia and / or Venezuela.

Tour detail

Standard private tour accommodation

Occupying an 18th-century mansion, this charming hotel is located in the colonial old part of Cuzco, beside Limacpampa Square, just a few blocks walk from the main square. The hotel's rooms combine traditional local furnishings with modern comforts and overlook picturesque courtyards. There is a central patio with fountain, a colonial bar and stylish restaurant decorated with traditional Cuzco paintings.
Features: 93 rooms, restaurant, bar, massage room, ATM, Wi-Fi.
Room amenities: Television, safe, hairdryer,...

Casa Andina Private Collection Puno is situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca close to Puno. There are 52 rooms, each with modern facilities, and decorated in a modern Andean style. Local rugs, exposed stone walls, dark woods and white decor have been used to create a relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant serves fresh fish direct from the lake, combined with international and local...

El MaPi hotel (formerly the Machu Picchu Inn) is owned by Inkaterra and is located in the village of Aguas Calientes, just a few minutes walk from the train station and the Machu Picchu bus station. This smart contemporary hotel has 48 comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant and a...

Hotel Intersur Recoleta has a prime location in the heart of this fashionable neighbourhood and is close to many cultural attractions. This elegant four-star hotel features a classical facade and 100 stylish rooms equipped with all modern conveniences. There is a small spa, a restaurant specialising in Italian cuisine and a bar serving traditional afternoon...

Located 16km from the airport, the Hotel Plaza San Francisco is situated on the busy O'Higgins Avenue in the heart of the city's downtown area. This elegant hotel has traditional decor, with richly coloured fabric wallpaper, oriental rugs and subdued lighting. Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant serving award-winning cuisine, a bar, swimming pool, fitness centre and...

The Inca Utama hotel is situated on the shores of Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca. It has comfortable rooms, restaurants with lake views and a spa offering traditional treatments. On site are museums, an Andean village and an observatory to educate visitors about the Aymara indigenous...

Traditionally a gathering place for artists, writers and poets, the winding street of La Ronda is one of the oldest in Quito. The Casona de la Ronda boutique hotel is located in one of the historical houses on this charming street and offers 22 rooms located around a beautifully remodelled central courtyard. The decor respects the culture and traditional features of the building, while also providing modern comforts such as wireless internet. The hotel offers daily breakfast, a coffee shop and reading room with a fireplace. Its central location allows easy access to restaurants and many of Quito's...

La Casona Hotel Boutique is situated close to Plaza San Francisco in the heart of La Paz. This converted colonial property features an interior courtyard with a fountain and attractive exposed stonework, wooden beams and colourful walls. The 25 rooms have parquet floors, private balconies and en suite bathrooms. There is a restaurant and free wireless internet...

Located near the middle section of Copacabana beach, the 30-storey Rio Othon Palace Hotel is a 4-star property with 572 air-conditioned rooms. The rooftop swimming pool and the Skylab restaurant and bar offer spectacular panoramic views of the ocean and Rio de Janeiro.
The hotel is currently undergoing renovation works, which are expected to be completed by December 2016. The areas being renovated will be closed off to guests. Works will take place from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm in order to minimise...

The Seaman Journey is a first-class expeditionary catamaran. A maximum of 16 passengers can be accommodated in eight air-conditioned comfortable cabins with private bathrooms. Onboard facilities include spacious sundecks, a bar-lounge, and inside and outside dining areas. Snorkelling equipment and kayaks are provided free of charge. Wetsuits can be hired for a small daily charge and we recommend this is requested in advance.
The cost of beverages and Galapagos taxes of $100 are not included and are payable...

Tour experts

Standard private tour flights

Upgrades & regional air connections

Regional air connections are available from within the UK. Please contact your travel consultant for current prices from your nearest city.
We can also arrange flights from overseas, simply give us a call to find out more.

Important information

If you choose to take the tour without flights arranged through Cox & Kings, please contact one of our travel consultants prior to booking the flights to ensure that you are aware of the tour timings and all the implications of not booking through us. We strongly advise you not to book flights independently of Cox & Kings if significant charges would apply in case of cancellation.